Franz&Sue

Description

The residential high-rise stands on the site of the former North Railway Station in Vienna’s second district. By 2025, a new urban quarter will be completed here with six high-rises as defining cornerstones. Part of the former industrial wasteland is preserved here as a large urban wilderness – the «Freie Mitte» (Free Centre). In exchange, the residential towers around its perimeter reach metropolitan heights. The project, which was completed in early May 2024, developed the northern part of the site, directly adjacent to the old water tower and the new tram stop. At this prominent point, the high-rise forms one of the «keystones» in the development of the new quarter. With 21 storeys, the building does not quite scrape the skies just yet, but it nonetheless offers its residents awe-inspiring views – of the city from all sides, and in the west of the large park. A total of 200 flats have been built here. The unique form and façade design of the high-rise don’t just look stunning: With the slight twist of the tower and the kink in two main façades, the building opens up towards the natural green spaces. The building is dynamic and elegant, an airy vantage point on the edge of the urban wilderness. For the façade, we drew inspiration from Grandma’s knitted shawls – the balcony fronts alternate in different variations for sun protection and privacy, forming a pattern that resembles knit and purl stitches.